Article share tools

Former Corby Labour MP backs Leadsom for PM

Andy Sawford, the former Labour MP for Corby, and a campaigner for the UK to remain in the EU, has backed Andrea Leadsom as Britain's next prime minister.

He said although he "disagrees with her politics" he could see the South Northamptonshire MP in the position.

BBC/Getty Images

Mr Sawford, who lost his seat at the 2015 election, said Ms Leadsom, who was prominent in the Leave camapign, was "nice" and "constructive" and there was no reason why she couldn't lead the Conservative Party.

Article share tools

EU vote: Labour out of touch with supporters in region

Andrew Sinclair

BBC Look East political correspondent

If any party is out of touch with its supporters in the region it is Labour.

Norwich and Cambridge did vote remain, but in other traditional Labour strongholds like Harlow, Basildon, Ipswich, Peterborough, Northampton and Great Yarmouth - which recorded the fifth highest leave vote in the country - the party's supporters backed Brexit in large numbers.

BBC

With another election looming, Labour will need to make it a priority to reconnect with its supporters in the East.

Those who won this referendum will be expected to tackle immigration and restore trust in politics - quickly.

EU vote: 'Politicians don't understand us'

You only had to spend a few days on the campaign trail or go along to some of the well attended public meetings to see that deep down there was a lot of anger.

Anger about immigration and the pressures people believe it puts on public services and anger with politicians.

PA

Too often I heard people complain "politicians don't understand us and they don't keep their word".

There appears to have been a complete breakdown of trust in and respect for the political establishment and every time it issued another warning about the dangers of leaving the EU, it seemed to embolden a few more people to decide to vote Leave.

Article share tools

EU vote could leave thousands of jobs at risk in the East

Andrew Sinclair

BBC Look East political correspondent

The warnings could not have been greater: 300,000 jobs at risk in the East of England, the loss of millions of pounds of new investment, damage to the region's status as a world leader in science and research.

But despite all this the East sent a very clear message: "We've had enough of the EU, we want out".

The shock among remain campaigners in the region is palpable.

BBC

They knew we were Eurosceptic, they were expecting a strong showing for Leave, but thought more than four areas in the East would back remain and didn't see the national result coming.

Article share tools

No immediate changes to Herts Uni European research funding

There will be no immediate changes to any European research funding or programmes for current and joining students, research colleagues and staff at the University of Hertfordshire as a result of the Brexit decision.

That's according to the vice chancellor of the university of Hertfordshire, Prof Quintin McKellar, who said he wants anyone thinking of joining the university to proceed with their application.

He added the British Council will be issuing guidance on Erasmus programmes shortly.

Article share tools

Former minister calls on Corbyn to step down

Former minister calls on Corbyn to step down

Former Labour cabinet minister Ben Bradshaw has called on leader Jeremy Corbyn to "do the honourable thing and step down".
He said Mr Corbyn's leadership had been "abysmal" and described the EU referendum result as "a catastrophic defeat".

Article share tools

The week ahead in the European Parliament

The MEP for the East of England, Vicky Ford, who was a Remain supporter, has told us that scheduled meetings of the Parliamentary Committees for Monday have been cancelled.

On Tuesday, there will be an extraordinary plenary session of the full European parliament to debate the referendum.

Getty Images

She's confirmed the final results of the negotiations will be voted on by the European Parliament, including UK MEPs.

Also, there could be a change in the order of the incoming Presidencies of the Council, so the UK doesn't take up in it's Presidency in the latter half of 2017, as it could coincide with the negotation process.

Article share tools

MK MPs say challenging times are ahead

Alex Pope

BBC Local Live

In a joint statement, Milton Keynes MPs Iain Stewart and Mark Lancaster have said the vote to leave the EU "was a huge exercise of democracy and it is important that we accept the majority view" as there are many "challenges and huge opportunities ahead".

M J Richardson/Geograph

We now need a time of stability and both us will be working to ensure Milton Keynes economy continues to be successful."

Article share tools

University vice chancellor says leave vote 'not what we hoped for'

Pete Cooper

BBC Local Live

Nick Petford, the vice chancellor of the University of Northampton, says the vote to leave the EU "will create significant challenges for universities," adding"this is not the outcome the sector had hoped for".

University of Northampton

In a statement to staff and students, Prof Petford, said: "The University has been advised the vote to leave the European Union does not mean there will be any immediate material change to the immigration status of current and prospective EU students and staff."

Her spokesman said Ms Main knows from her experience of campaigning in St Albans that "the voice of the leave campaign is as loud there as anywhere else".

He said: "Yes, St Albans voted to remain but in the bigger picture of Hertfordshire there was a resounding vote to leave.

"She is not only an MP to her constituents, but to her country and the country has decided to leave."

On the national vote as a whole, he told me Ms Main felt that "finally the people of Britain have spoken loudly and spoken clearly" to leave the EU.

He said: "Ann says no-one can ignore the will of the people here - the average voter has decided leaving is the best option and the government must ensure the process is as smooth and as stable as possible."

Article share tools

How local papers are reporting Britain's vote to leave the EU

Katy Lewis

BBC Local Live

The Bucks Free Press is reporting the leader of Bucks County Council says he is “pretty optimistic” for the future after the country voted to leave the European Union, while the Bucks Herald has Aylesbury Vale District Council Labour leader Robin Stuchbury - who voted Remain - saying everyone must work together to find a new way after Brexit.

The MK Citizen has Paul Griffiths, chief executive of the Milton Keynes Chamber, calling for “swift, decisive, and coordinated action” after the vote.

Article share tools

Business would be effected by 'prolonged period of uncertainty' - Chamber chief

Alex Pope

BBC Local Live

Paul Griffiths is also the chief executive of Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce...

Milton Keynes Chamber

Business will want to see a detailed plan to support the economy during the coming transition period - as confidence, investment, hiring and growth would all be deeply affected by a prolonged period of uncertainty."

Article share tools

Health of the economy 'priority' following leave vote, says Northants business leader

Pete Cooper

BBC Local Live

The chief executive of the Northamptonshire Chamber says in the wake of the vote to leave the EU "all companies will expect swift, decisive, and coordinated action from the government and the Bank of England to stabilise markets".

Reuters

Paul Griffiths says a "clear timeline for the UK's exit from the European Union" is needed.

He added "the health of the economy must be the number one priority – not the Westminster political post-mortem".

Article share tools

MEP: UK will not 'turn our backs' on Europe

East Midlands MEP, Conservative Andrew Lewer, who wanted to leave the EU has said he does not "believe the leave vote means we are turning our back on our European neighbours".

BBC

Mr Lewer said: "We continue to be a tolerant society, including to those who have come to work here and make their lives here."

He also praised David Cameron for his "extraordinary leadership," adding it is "sad to see him announce he is stepping down but statesmanlike of him to postpone that to help to ensure there is a period of calm and stability".

Some people will now be anxious, but concentrating on these immensely important factors will provide reassurance. The most important factor now is to work together for our mutual benefit. There is plenty of time and the UK is in an immensely strong position. A period of calm, reflection and discussion will be beneficial.”